Geronimo Inns returns to roots with Chelsea Ram relaunch

By Luke Nicholls

- Last updated on GMT

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The new-look Chelsea Ram will feature a Geronimo Club Room as well as a fresh take on the pub’s original menu
The new-look Chelsea Ram will feature a Geronimo Club Room as well as a fresh take on the pub’s original menu
Rupert and Jo Clevely, the duo behind London-based, food-led pub operator Geronimo Inns, have reclaimed the Group’s first pub and are set to relaunch it this month, 17 years on from its initial opening.

The Chelsea Ram, situated just off of Kings Road, has been renovated and refurbished and will feature a new Geronimo Club Room as well as a fresh take on the pub’s original menu.

“This was our very first pub,” explained Rupert. “Seventeen years later, having sold our business to Young's, we find ourselves in the enviable position of bringing it back to the fold.”

Wife Jo, who has helped with the venue’s new design, added: “The Chelsea Ram is located in a true Chelsea haven and has a strong following from Chelsea locals. Seventeen years on my values have not changed, however I wish to renew the ‘feminine’ feel of the pub.

“It’s fresher and brighter, with books and vine root sculpture, and I’m using the same type of carpet as I used in 1995. The walls are covered in a beige and red striped linen, and art includes a commission featuring some well-known Chelsea Ram personalities.”

On the menu

The Chelsea Ram will stock a range of real ales, highlighting brews from the South East and South West. The wine list, chosen by Rupert's father and Geronimo's Master of Wine John Clevely, will feature a range of red, white and rosé. 

The food menu will incorporate a range of British classics as well as dishes from the first menu in 1995 and an extensive offering of bar snacks. Customers will also be able to taste Geronimo’s own cheese, which is made in Cornwall and kept in a ‘secret location’ for nine months, before being washed in Young’s bitter.

Examples from the menu include:

  • Warm salad of spiced pork shoulder, roasted beetroots and apple compote £7.50
  • Crisp fish cakes, poached egg, young spinach and hollandaise sauce £9.95
  • Roast salmon, oyster fritter, pea shoots and roast shallots £13.50
  • Hot apple pie and custard £5.50

Best of British

The latest acquisition brings Geronimo Inns’ portfolio to 33 pubs in London. The Group, which was named Best Pub Company of 2011​ at Restaurant magazine’s R200 Awards, opened a ‘dream pub’ in the City​ earlier this year.

Rupert believes the Chelsea Ram’s re-launch is the perfect next step for the business, concluding: “We have been amazed at the incredibly warm welcome we have received from the very loyal customers here.

“Creating a great atmosphere through friendly, capable staff is key in The Chelsea Ram. As with our other pubs, our food represents the very best of British - I can't wait for everyone to see the new Chelsea Ram.”

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